In the pre-professional phase of study, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 and a minimum science GPA of 2.8/4.0 with no individual science grade lower than 2.0.

Required pre-professional course work includes completion of the general education program and major requirements including 18 credit hours in a cognate discipline or minor of choice. In fulfilling the cognate requirement, students must take at least 2 courses at the 300 level or higher.

While completing the pre-professional phase of study, students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of observation per year in a physical therapy practice setting, e.g. hospital, outpatient clinic, school, long-term care, etc. Students may not repeat observation in the same or similar settings except by permission of their faculty advisor or the Director of Clinical Education (DCE). Students must complete and submit to their advisor the Documentation of Clinical Hours form at the conclusion of each experience.

Students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Health Science at the completion of the first professional year.

Professional-phase students must maintain at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA, with no grade lower than 2.0. Any student whose professional-phase cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 is placed on academic probation. Students with deficient GPA's have two academic semesters to remediate their GPA to 3.0, and must retain it at that level through the remainder of the professional program, or be subject to dismissal from the program.

A minimum final grade of 'C' (>73%) is required for all professional phase courses. A final course grade less than a 'C' (<73%) does not meet professional standards and will result in the student being removed from the professional phase of the program. Reentry to the program is possible only after successful completion of a remediation plan. A grade of 'C' (<73%) in any two courses will result in dismissal from the program without option for reentry.

The design of this course is intended to impart an understanding of the basic concepts of human physiology with emphasis on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and endocrine physiology. Laboratory exercises place emphasis on effective experimental designs and data analysis in the study of physiological mechanisms. Lab exercises cover such topics as muscle contraction measurements, spirometry, and ECG analysis. Does not fulfill a biology major requirement. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 222L. 3 credits.

An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission. Corequisite: CHM 113 or CHM 115. 3 credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of human anatomy. The course will cover human muscle origins, insertions, and actions as well as describing in depth systemic anatomy of the skeletal, circulatory, ¡respiratory, renal, reproductive, and nervous systems. The course will use a traditional lecture format and both anatomical models and computer software to aid in learning course material. Prerequisite: BIO 112 and permission of the instructor. 4 credits.

PHY 103 General College Physics I

An introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: PHY 103L. 3 credits.

A continuation of PHY 103. Fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 103 or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 104L. 3 credits.

An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits.

MAS 270 Intermediate Statistics

A more advanced version of MAS 170 intended for students with some calculus background. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits.

*PSY 212 Statistics & Data Analysis

This laboratory course explores the basic quantitative and qualitative statistics and data-based analytical methods used by scientists to interpret and understand behavior. Topics include the logic of the scientific method applied to data analysis, descriptive statistics, the foundations and utility of inferential statistics, and the statistical methodologies of simple and advanced hypothesis testing. Students will also design, analyze, and present the results of their own original data-collection project. Prerequisite: PSY 111/L, or junior-level Psychology major or minor. Corequisite: PSY 212L. 3 credits.

This laboratory course is designed as an introduction to the conceptual and methodological foundations of psychological science. Through an exploration of several content areas in psychology, including physiological psychology, sensation & perception, learning, cognition, and states of consciousness, the course provides a conceptual background for understanding behavior, and active engagement with the scientific process (including theory building, hypothesis testing and critical analysis of empirical data). Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: PSY 111L. 3 credits.

PSY 112 General Psychology II

This survey course examines the relationship between research and theory in the field of psychology, with emphasis on the field of applied psychology. Individual and societal influences on physical and psychological health will be examined. Topics will include human development, personality theory, health, motivation and emotion, social behavior, and psychological disorders and treatment. 3 credits.

An introduction to the sociological perspective with a focus on how individual behavior is shaped by the social context. The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life are examined from a perspective known as the "sociological imagination". Topics range from the influence of culture on human behavior, the development of the self, group dynamics, deviance, population, and social inequality. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 2 (Social Science). 3 credits.

Students who do not continue on to the professional phase must also complete the following to earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in Health Science:

PHT 412 Psyc/Soc Asp. Disease/Disabil.

A survey course of the psychosocial implications of illness and disability. Specific attention is given to cultural differences, adjustment models, family stress from caregiving, family violence, and normal grieving processes. Fulfills general education requirement: Disciplinary Perspectives. 3 credits.

SOC 324 Medical Sociology

An examination of the societal bases of health, illness and health care. The course will include an examination of the three components of medicine: the patient, the medical professional and the health care organization. Specific topics will include: the role of the patient; doctor-patient relationships; the socialization of medical professionals; the hospital as a complex organization, cross-cultural comparisons of health care and current topics of concern such as the AIDS epidemic, new technologies and social response to the terminally ill patient. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisites: SOC 110 plus 9 credits of sociology at the 200-level or above and junior standing, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

Professional Phase:

PHT 412 Psyc/Soc Asp. Disease/Disabil.

A survey course of the psychosocial implications of illness and disability. Specific attention is given to cultural differences, adjustment models, family stress from caregiving, family violence, and normal grieving processes. Fulfills general education requirement: Disciplinary Perspectives. 3 credits.

PHT 502 Prof. Issues of PT Pract. I

Introduces students to key professional ethical and practice issues, including communication and health policy. 3 credits.

PHT 504 Prof. Issues of PT Pract. II

Continued study of professional ethical and practice issues and patient care documentation. Students develop an understanding of the impact of ethical decision-making through self-discovery and teaching. Theories of teaching and learning are introduced as a basis to understand the learning process and to investigate patient education in physical therapy practice. 4 credits.

Examines tissue and joint structure and function, and the mechanical principles involved in human motion. The laboratory portion will introduce students to the basics of postural and gait assessment. Prerequisite: PHT 312. 4 credits.

PHT 518 Exercise Science

Examines skeletal muscle structure and function and cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromusculoskeletal physiology related to physical activity and exercise in general and special patient/client populations. Current methods of nutritional and physical assessment will be evaluated. 3 credits.

PHT 520 Motor Control

This course will focus on the processes that govern human movement acquisition and control across the lifespan and will prepare students to apply principles of motor development, motor control, and motor learning to clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on developing a working knowledge of the neural, physical, and behavioral aspects of human movement and the process involved in acquiring and refining motor skills across the lifespan. 2 credits.

PHT 532 Clinical Examination

An introduction to the tests and measurements used by physical therapists in the clinical and research settings. Laboratory sessions will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate concepts and apply the therapeutic interventions discussed in lecture. 4 credits.

PHT 534 Cardiovascular-Pulmonary PT

Examines the physical therapy management of individuals with cardiac and respiratory dysfunction. Particular attention is focused on exercise prescription, patient management in various clinical settings, current medical and surgical procedures, and guidelines and education for inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. 4 credits.

PHT 542 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation

Provides a general introduction to pharmacological principles including basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Descriptions of general classes of medications and their impact and utilization in rehabilitation are stressed. 2 credits.

PHT 551 Found of Evid-Based Crit Inq.

Methods of research and scientific discovery are introduced as concepts and with application. The ethical issues of medical research and the role of Institutional Review Boards for the protection of human subjects are emphasized through historical perspectives and current guidelines published by NIH. The scientific peer-review process and components required for publication are reviewed. 3 credits.

PHT 716 Health Promotion-Self-Society

Covers health and health promotion topics across the lifespan. Students will begin to identify community needs that would benefit from a physical therapy program of prevention, health promotion, wellness, and screening services. 3 credits.

PHT 720 Neuroscience

Neuroscience examines the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and changes that occur across the life-span, relevant pathophysiology and the functional manifestations of this pathology, and acquisition of basic neurologic examination skills. 4 credits.

PHT 726 Clinical Interventions I

First of a two course sequence designed to instruct students in the use of therapeutic modalities to affect change in human tissues. Laboratory exercises include applying modalities, gait training with various devices, and therapeutic exercise. 4 credits.

PHT 728 Musculoskeletal I

First of a two course sequence providing an in depth study of the evaluation, assessment, and treatment methods used in the management of musculoskeletal pathology and/or injury. This first component of the two course sequence will emphasize the upper and lower limbs, with an introductory component to the spine. 4 credits. (This course is cross-listed with ATR 528)

Second of a two course sequence providing an in-depth study of the evaluation, assessment, and treatment methods used in the management of musculoskeletal pathology and injury. This course will build upon material studied in PHT 728 and emphasize anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological factors relevant to musculoskeletal dysfunction. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with ATR 532)

PHT 736 Neuromuscular Phys. Therapy I

Provides an examination of techniques used in the examination and assessment of persons with nervous system dysfunction. 4 credits.

Provides a detailed examination of the physical therapy management of individuals requiring splinting or bracing, as well as individuals with amputations requiring prosthetic devices. 2 credits.

PHT 752 Evidence in Practice

This is the third course in a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. The extensive use of Comprehensive Appraisals of a Topic Is the central theme of this semester. Current published research topics include: clinical prediction rules, prognosis, low back dysfunction, shoulder dysfunction and patient satisfaction. 2 credits.

PHT 760 Clinical Education I

Students will be assigned to a supervising Clinical Instructor (CI) and have the opportunity to examine, evaluate, propose, and implement intervention strategies in a full-time clinical experience. Students will complete documentation for patient care management and are expected to demonstrate professional behaviors. Graded pass/fail. 3 credits.

PHT 762 Clinical Education II

A seven-week, full-time supervised clinical learning experience to provide students the opportunity to develop clinical competence in the physical therapy management of individuals in an ambulatory or inpatient environment. Graded pass/fail. 3 credits.

PHT 764 Clinical Education III

The second, seven-week supervised clinical learning experience where students continue to develop clinical competence in the management of various musculoskeletal, cardiovascular- pulmonary, integumentary, and neuromuscular disorders. Graded pass/fail. 3 credits.

Examines in detail through a case-based approach specific neurologic conditions, the resulting impairments and functional limitations, and the physical therapy management of persons presenting with these conditions. 4 credits.

Designed to integrate the curricular content to date. In this capstone course, students will demonstrate differential diagnosis as it relates to autonomous practice in realistic clinical situations. 3 credits.

PHT 850 Critical Inquiry Capstone

This is the capstone course in a four-part course sequence of critical inquiry/evidence-based physical therapy. A formal case study is prepared in two formats for presentation at a professional meeting. The poster format is developed using the elements of the "Physical Therapist Patient Management Model" as well as a formal case study document detailing the evidence gathered. 2 credits.

Lebanon Valley College® in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,600 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors.
Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in athletic training, business, music education, physical therapy, and science education.
Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.